Where will my X-Trail go?

I've never sat in an X-Trail let alone driven one, and don't know the specs, but the answer is: suck it and see. Don't do anything rash but push the envelope. As long as you carry a snatch strap and have a solid recovery point, and don't go anywhere really remote, people will pull you out if you go too far. Join a 4wd driving course and have fun discovering the limits!

I have seen a few X-Trails on Fraser, gathered around Eli Creek. I don't think they would be a good option for a trip up to the lighthouse, but for general driving around the island they seem to handle it OK. Lack of low range limits your options.

There are some concerns about anthing other than very shallow water crossings because the air intake may be a little low. May be worth checking this out before attempting anything too serious.

You need a permit to get onto Fraser, available from the NPWS office at Rainbow Beach. Best idea is to check as you go, as many NSW beaches will not allow beach driving. The run from Tewantin to Rainbow (Called the North Shore, I think) would be fine. Just stay on the hard pack and you'll have no problems.

I drove my mate's X-Trail to Qld and it went fine, but I'd personally be a bit nervous about doing anything too "off-road".

Jack

Magoo
Ther is a growing list of xtrailers and trip reports at
www.xtrail.australia4wd.com

You may find some answers there, I am sure they will welcome you
cheers
Pete

Its not only where will it go, it depends on your skills as well..

Why not join up with a club, do some driver training, meet other people, arrange soem basic trips with them, and while your there you will find the cars limits, while expanding your knowledge on driving, recoveries, what recovery gear to carry, how to use it etc.

Do the X Trails have recovery points? Didnt really look when the wife was lookin at them, I lent on it, and did about $4k damage to the tin panels. No use going beyond the coles carpark, until you have this sorted out. if you DO need to be recovered, last thing you want to do is $5000 damage to the body work ripping it off while being recovered.

PS. Ive gone further in a good old HT kingswood than many top $ 4b's did in the 80's, so dont put the old Ford down yet....

Why not try "Duck Creek Road". It is a dirt road that goes to O'Reilly's. It is marked on the RACQ maps and has some excellent views. It can be done by a 2wd in the dry so long as you don't stop on some of the steeper sections or on a pile of leaves. Can get very slippery in the wet.

That is where I went for my 2nd 4wd trip ever in my fourbie. It was good fun and there is lots to do when you get to the top too.

Wouldnt you look into where it can go before you hand over $30+k?

Try Condamine Gorge track near Queen Mary Falls. Will find it on RACQ map. Can't guarantee how your vehicle will go but it's a pretty easy 4WD track - just don't go after a lot of rain as there are heaps of creek crossings which are normally shallow but could get a bit exciting for the XTrail if flooded.

take it any where you like & if you get stuck then get your self out its that easy the hard bit would be admiting you own a ford

I was 'fortunate' enough to be playing with one in the sand during some driver trng. Once the tyres were down it did ok (the sand was wet and compact) but after a couple of attempts at getting up a hill and once up the top the turn to come down again was just too much. A little flashing light came on which apparently means "I've had enough and need a little rest". Now this wasn't such a big deal and after a couple of minutes sitting and admiring the scenery off we went. Just what happens if this little light comes on half way up a hill (or worse half way down) or in the mud or in the water or.............. I think you need to be very careful where you go in this type of vehicle (I understand these types of 4wd systems are similar across many manufacturers and they all need a 'little rest' every now and then - guess that explains why I'm considered a dinosaur - locking hubs and manual t'fer case). Also before using any type of snatch strap have a really good look underneath (and you will need to get it up on ramps). There is precious little to attach any type of recovery hook to the front and with that big muffler in the rear..........well just don't get stuck. And take note of one the other replies - don't go by yourself for the first couple of adventures. rgds

Despite what some comments are above, You can go lots of places in your xtrail. It does go well on sand and will do forest tracks etc quite well. It does have recovery hooks (referred to in the manual as Towing points - the exact same term used in my patrols.) I have snatched xtrails without a problem. There are two up front and one at the rear. Yes it would be difficult to attach aftermarket hooks. To date Nissan have had no reported problems with the points (as of last tuesday).
Be pleased with your purchase, yep some of the comments are right above about it not being as capable as other "real 4wd" but thats all relative.
Have a look in the boilybilly books (in the shop on this site) for trips around brisbane, and as suggested get some training.
have fun
Peter

All,
Thanks every one for your replies.
Yes a low range would have solved a lot but as a novated lease the money ran out. I chose the Xtrail because with the softroder competition it - at least - has a 57/43 wheel lock.

Suppose I could have taken the Suzy XL7 but there was too much compromise in the 2nd seat row for the 3rd row that I dont need and doesnt fold flat. etc etc. So there was -some- thought involved.

I always knew it wont go everywhere - but Frazer and Moreton are a good start (thanks Jck) as well as your suggestions - thanks Moose and UteMad.

Yes I will contemplate the training and the XTrail 4by club. Thanks PeteK.

S'oft I go.

ALL,

took it to Lennox. Called the Ballina council and no permist required in that council area as long as the signs permit 4x access.

I got it onto the beach in a mid to rising tide - brave or stupid- but we were not far from help if needed- my passengers were concerned that they may have to walk back at one stage when I thought I got bogged - I was more concerned that the tide line was lapping the tyres and had 3 more hours to come in.

I will have to admit it - only because it is really funny- I was trying to take off with the handbrake on - the guests were sweating as the tide was rising but they got great mileage out of it ove a few reds!--- now now be nice to me!. HAhahaah.

But it went great in the sand- I went down to South Ballina beach also and zipped along with the 'real' 4x. Managed to scoot up a rather long and soft deep rutted beach exit in one go- Ok as the revs stay around 3000. Dont know if it will get going after coming to a stop in that predicament. Maybe I will find out one day.

Got the snatch kit - suitable to 8K - has a little flex in it - according to the enthusiastic and experienced salesman at Camping Warehouse. The D shakles clear the body without hitting paint.

It was fun anyway. Was told about a good book called Dirty Weekends - will get it and see.

Magoo